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There is no better fun than to challenge the wind and the tide in a sailing dinghy and what better place than a yacht club to begin sailing because it is a safe environment in which to learn. Our Club values the sport for the pure enjoyment that sailing can bring to people of all abilities and any age. Our passion is being on the water putting all our skills to challenge the wind.

The Club was founded in 1927 on the lower reaches of the Waimakariri River at Kairaki. Our Clubrooms overlook the sailing venue so parents, helpers and spectators can watch from the balcony. Our sailing programme runs from September through April and while most events are racing we do run several less structured events for a bit of fun. On any sailing day the fleet may include boats from many classes including Optimist, P-Class, Firebug, Starling, Sunburst, Zephyr, Europe, Phase 2, Laser Radial, Moth and Splash.

If you are new to sailing we have, at a small cost, a Learn to Sail programme which can be run at your pace offering plenty of formal and informal coaching to give you the confidence to become a competent sailor. As a family oriented club we make a special effort to welcome both the sailors and their support team and encourage everyone to join both the on and off water running of the Club.

Explore our website and have a look at the Programme page.

Have a great sailing season.

Kerry O’Brien

Commodore 2017/18/19

Learn to Sail at the Waimak!

Learn to sail courses are available at the Waimakariri Sailing Club, Kairaki beach. We have boats for kids and adults, so you don't need to bring your own, and we also have the Mighty Viking (Sigrid class yacht) for those who want to go for a sail without having to actually sail a boat. So please spread the word and come down to the club and Have-a-Go at sailing regardless of your age!

Sailing isn't just a sport, it's a fun adventure activity that never stops regardless of your age!

Message Sam on 029 200 4554 if you want to come down to the Club and Have-a-Go.

Check out the Club’s Facebook page.

The WSC "Learn to Sail Programme" and the "Club Coaching
Programme" are both supported by the Rata Foundation and the Southern Trust.

The WSC would also like to thank the following organisations for their generous support.

Yachts, Patrol boats and clubhouse at the Waimak

Sunbursts in close racing pass in front of the club house

The Waimak Club Patron Ron Mackie in his Zephyr at the Waimak

The success we enjoy today is attributed to being a strong family oriented
club with the following key goals as our platform:

Encourage participation and proficiency in sailing.

Maintain a level of resources and infrastructure to membership requirements.

Advocate and protect membership sailing interests.

Maintain a friendly and social culture within the club.

Secure the club's future by encouraging & developing membership,
leadership and organisational skills to maintain a professional and
safe environment.

Please accept our invitation to visit the Club if you would like to
experience our hospitality and the superb sailing waters of the Waimakariri
River. Contact one of us listed on the "Classes" page for more information.